Just a five-minute walk from Istanbul's famous Sultanahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) lies the small and less popular Great Palace Mosaic Museum. Here, visitors can imagine what ancient structures from the Byzantine Empire looked like.
A Bit of History
The Sultanahmet district of Istanbul is one of the city’s most intriguing areas for archaeologists. This was once the site of the Great Imperial Palace of Constantinople. The palace grounds stretched from the Hagia Sophia Mosque to the shores of the Marmara Sea.
The Great Palace was not a single building but a complex of structures, including throne rooms, churches, libraries, baths, and sports facilities. These buildings were connected by large inner courtyards.
Exploring the archaeological remains in this area is challenging because many ancient structures are deeply buried, with newer buildings constructed above them. Additionally, while experts have information about the ancient buildings that once stood here, there are no clear links to modern structures and later additions, making it difficult to locate them without excavating much of the district.
The mosaics that visitors can see today were discovered in 1935. These artworks are dated to the 5th and 6th centuries. The museum's location is no coincidence: some mosaics were preserved intact. In the past, they covered the pavement of the northeastern part of the palace courtyard with porticoes.
The preserved mosaic area spans 180 square meters. The museum displays 150 figures of people and animals, with a total of 90 different scenes depicted. The mosaics do not feature any religious themes; instead, they show scenes from everyday life in the past, including hunting, animal husbandry, and child-rearing.
The museum opened to the public in 1953.
Great Palace Mosaic Museum: How to Get There
The museum can be reached from the "Sultanahmet" and "Cankurtaran" stations, both about an eight-minute walk away. You can plan your route using the Moovit app.
As of summer 2024, the entrance fee is €10. According to online reviews, the museum is currently closed for renovation, so it’s best to contact the museum staff in advance to avoid wasting time.
The area around the museum is rich in fascinating historical landmarks. The most famous are the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern. For budget travelers, a walk around the former Hippodrome and a visit to the Nakil Cistern, which has free entry, are recommended.
Have a nice trip!
